Author Correction: Cardiovascular, hematological and neurosensory impact of COVID-19 and variants.

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2021; 25 (8): 3350-3364-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202104_25747-PMID: 33928623, published online 30 April, 2021. After publication, the authors requested to correct the Acknowledgements of the above-mentioned article. There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/25747.

Cardiovascular, hematological and neurosensory impact of COVID-19 and variants.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to review our clinical experience with COVID-19 patients observed in the Cardiovascular Division of Pompidou Hospital (University of Paris, France) and the Department of Neurology of the Eastern Piedmont University (Novara, Italy), related to the impact on the cardiovascular, hematological, and neurologic systems and sense organs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We sought to characterize cardiovascular, hematological, and neurosensory manifestations in patients with COVID-19 and variants. Special attention was given to initial signs and symptoms to facilitate early diagnosis and therapy. Indications of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for cardiorespiratory support were evaluated. RESULTS: Preliminary neurosensorial symptoms, such as anosmia and dysgeusia, are useful for diagnosis, patient isolation, and treatment. Early angiohematological acro-ischemic syndrome includes hand and foot cyanosis, Raynaud digital ischemia phenomenon, skin bullae, and dry gangrene. This was associated with neoangiogenesis, vasculitis, and vessel thrombosis related to immune dysregulation, resulting from "cytokine storm syndrome". The most dangerous complication is disseminated intravascular coagulation, with mortality risks for both children and adults. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 is a prothrombotic disease with unique global lethality. A strong inflammatory response to viral infection severely affects cardiovascular and neurological systems, as well as respiratory, immune, and hematological systems. Rapid identification of acro-ischemic syndrome permits the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation complications. Early sensorial symptoms, such as gustatory and olfactory loss, are useful for COVID-19 diagnosis. New variants of SARS-CoV-2 are emerging, principally from United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil. These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly, which may lead to more cases of COVID.

Comparative anatomy and angiography of the cardiac coronary venous system in four species: human, ovine, porcine, and canine.

INTRODUCTION: The coronary arterial system has been the subject of greater investigation than its venous system due to the importance of human coronary artery disease. With the advent of new percutaneous treatments, the anatomy of the coronary venous system has increasing relevancy. We compared the organization of the coronary venous circulation in three species commonly used in research and compared these to normal humans using both macroscopic anatomic and angiographic studies. ANIMALS: The anatomy of five explanted hearts from healthy dogs, pigs, and sheep were studied macroscopically, and 10 explanted hearts per animal species and 10 clinically normal human were examined by angiography. METHODS: Animal hearts were injected with latex and dissected macroscopically. The coronary venous system of humans was evaluated from clinical angiographic studies. In the animal hearts, a retrograde angiographic study was performed via a Foley catheter in the coronary sinus. RESULTS: The general organization of the coronary venous circulation was similar among humans, dogs, sheep, and pigs. Despite overall similarities to humans, animal hearts demonstrated the absence of the oblique vein of the left atrium and differences in position and organization of venous valves; venous diameters; number of tributary veins; and presence of an anastomosis between the left and right (human anterior and posterior) venous tree. The left azygos of the pig and sheep joined the coronary sinus. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical differences must be considered when planning biomedical and veterinary studies incorporating cardiac veins. This study provides baseline data regarding structure and organization of the cardiac venous system.

[Systolic anterior motion (SAM): a rare cause of late failure in mitral valve repair]. / Le SAM: une cause exceptionnelle d'echec tardif de plastie mitrale.

Systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve is a rare complication of mitral valve repair. The treatment of the large majority of cases is purely medical. Nevertheless, an early degradation may require reoperation (revision of the repair or valve replacement). The authors report two cases of post-repair SAM with a poor outcome with medical therapy which required reoperation after several years. In both cases, an excess of bivalvular tissue with respect to the size of the mitral orifice was observed. A second repair was possible (sliding valvuloplasty associated with an oval resection of the anterior leaflet) with satisfactory long-term results. The identification of the risk factors and careful analysis of the lesions in cases of SAM after mitral valve repair may lead to a repeat repair and the avoidance of mitral valve replacement.

In vitro speed of sound measurement at intact human femur specimens.

Quantitative ultrasound has been recognized as a useful tool for fracture risk prediction. Current measurement techniques are limited to peripheral skeletal sites. Our objective was to demonstrate the in vitro feasibility of ultrasonic velocity measurements on human proximal femur and to investigate the relationship between velocity and bone mineral density (BMD). Sound velocity images were computed from 2-D scans performed on 38 excised human femurs in transmission at 0.5 MHz. Different regions-of-interest were investigated. Dual x-ray absorptiometry scans have been achieved for BMD measurements in site-matched regions. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of ultrasonic velocity measurements at the hip with reasonable precision (coefficient of variation of 0.3%). The best prediction of BMD was reached in the intertrochanter region (r(2) = 0.91, p < 10(-4)), with a residual error of 0.06 g/cm(2) (10%). Because BMD measured at the femur is the best predictor of hip fracture risk, the highly significant correlation and small residual error found in this study suggest that speed of sound measurement at the femur might be a good candidate for hip fracture risk prediction.

Left ventricular reconstruction after resection of a large fibroma.

Cardiac fibromas are rare tumors that are histologically benign but potentially lethal because of their location. The prognosis is related to complete resection. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who, 1 year after partial excision of a large fibroma, underwent successful complete resection through a conventional surgical approach with left ventricular reconstruction.

Dynamic aortomyoplasty to assist left ventricular failure.

The efficacy of skeletal muscle contractile force to augment left ventricular function has been demonstrated experimentally and clinically by the cardiomyoplasty procedure. Another approach in biomechanical cardiac assistance is the use of electrostimulated skeletal muscle in an extracardiac position. We describe an autologous counterpulsating device using the native ascending aorta as a ventricular chamber wrapped by an electrostimulated latissimus dorsi muscle flap (LDMF). This model avoids thrombotic complications observed in skeletal muscle neo-ventricles associated with prosthetic chambers. In 8 goats, a right LDMF was transferred to the thoracic cavity by removal of the second rib. In 4 goats, the diameter of the aorta was enlarged by surgical implantation (using lateral clamping) of an autologous pericardial patch. The LDMF was wrapped around the ascending aorta and electrostimulated using an external diastolic pulse generator connected to a sensing myocardial lead and to LDMF pacing electrodes. Hemodynamic studies were performed (left ventricular, aortic, and pulmonary artery pressures and rate of rise of left ventricular pressure). The LDMF diastolic counterpulsation was performed using a burst of 30 Hz, with a delay from the R wave adjusted to provide optimal diastolic augmentation. Percent increase in the subendocardial viability index was calculated during unassisted and assisted cardiac cycles (1:2) at baseline and after acute heart failure induced by the administration of high doses of propranolol hydrochloride (3 mg/kg intravenously). Diastolic aortic counterpulsation by the stimulated LDMF resulted in a significant improvement in the subendocardial viability index both at baseline and after induced cardiac failure in both groups, though the increase was greater in the group with aortic enlargement.

The autologous tissue cardiac valve: a new paradigm for heart valve replacement.

This is a report of early clinical experience with an autologous tissue cardiac valve, which demonstrates the feasibility of making a bioprosthesis in the operating room in 10 minutes at the time of the valve replacement operation. There were 30 implant patients (18 men, 12 women), with ages ranging from 32 to 83 years. Diagnoses included calcified aortic stenosis (n = 16), pure aortic insufficiency (n = 9), and mixed aortic stenosis and insufficiency (n = 5). Associated diagnoses have included chronic renal failure treated with dialysis (n = 1), coronary artery disease requiring concomitant coronary bypass (n = 1), ascending aortic aneurysm requiring resection (n = 3), and mitral insufficiency requiring concomitant mitral valvuloplasty (n = 2). All of the valve replacements were in the aortic position. These implanted patients are being followed up carefully according to the protocol that requires examination every 6 months for the first year and every 12 months subsequently. No patient has been lost to follow-up. Twenty-seven patients are alive and well from 1 to 22 months postoperatively. There were three deaths: two perioperative deaths (one perivalvular leak and one hemorrhage) and one infective endocarditis 1.3 years after valve replacement. All surviving patients were followed up by echocardiographic examination (mean gradient, 15.5 +/- 6.8 mm Hg at 1 year). In conclusion, the feasibility of this method and concept has been demonstrated with implants in 30 patients. The validity of the technique will be judged by clinical results and experiences in children.

Does glutaraldehyde induce calcification of bioprosthetic tissues?

BACKGROUND: Glutaraldehyde has been said to be responsible in part for the calcification of glutaraldehyde-treated tissues after implantation in animals or humans. We investigated whether the origin of the tissue, autologous or heterologous, could have a more prominent role in the process of calcification. METHODS: Three-month-old sheep received sheep pericardial samples (n = 133) and human pericardial samples (n = 123) implanted subcutaneously. Samples were treated with 0.6% glutaraldehyde for 5, 10, or 20 minutes or 7 days and then rinsed thoroughly before implantation. Samples were then retrieved after 3 months. Calcium content was assessed by spectrophometry. RESULTS: The results show a low calcium content in the autologous group (mean 1.14+/-2.07) and a high calcium content in the heterologous group (mean 38.97+/-26). These results were the same regardless of the duration of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Glutaraldehyde treatment (0.6%) does not play a significant role in the calcification of glutaraldehyde-treated tissue regardless of the origin, autologous or heterologous, of the tissue. Glutaraldehyde-treated autologous tissues are associated with an incidence of calcification lower than heterologous tissues.

Cardiac hemangiomas.

Cardiac hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors of the heart. To date, 23 cases have been reported. Symptoms are usually due to compression of cardiac structures or obstruction of outflow tracts. Echocardiography usually directs the diagnosis toward a cardiac mass. Enhanced-contrast computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging establishes the diagnosis of hypervascularized cardiac tumor. Coronary arteriography establishes the diagnosis by showing the characteristic tumor blush. Surgical resection is done using cardiopulmonary bypass. Long-term outcome is favorable.

Autologous pericardial patch harvesting site for cardiac valve repair: anatomic and morphometric considerations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: Short-term glutaraldehyde-fixed autologous pericardium is widely used in cardiac valve repair or in autologous pericardial bioprosthesis construction. The thinner the tissue, the better the fixation. The aim of this study was to determine thickness and useful surface area of pericardium in relation to harvesting site using a digital thickness counter (0.01 mm precision). METHODS: Parietal pericardium fragments were obtained from the pericardial sac of six fresh cadavers (group I). In the other groups, pericardial strips (80 x 30 mm) were obtained from patients undergoing surgery: group II patients (n = 5 females) and group III (n = 10 males) were non-cardiomegalic (cardiothoracic ratio (CTR)<0.5), while group IV patients (n = 5) were all cardiomegalic (CTR >0.5). RESULTS: Results were reported on a coloric scale according to measurement position. In group I, mean surface area was 93+/-18 cm2, and thickness gradually increased from 0.1 to 0.6 mm, maximally on the diaphragm, along the left heart side. In other groups, a gradual increase in thickness was identified towards the diaphragmatic zone. Significant differences in tissue thickness appear as a result of cardiomegaly, but are not related to the sex of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pericardium taken from the right anterior aspect of the pericardial sac in patients without cardiomegaly is the most appropriate tissue for valve reconstructive surgery, due to its thin nature and hence better fixation properties.

Mechanical modifications to human pericardium after a brief immersion in 0.625% glutaraldehyde.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: The use of human pericardium pretreated for 10 min with 0.625% glutaraldehyde (GLUT) in valvular repair or intracardiac reconstruction has produced good results. However, to date, no investigations have been made to determine the mechanical changes that occur in the tissue following such pretreatment. METHODS: Human pericardial samples were harvested from 25 patients and immersed in GLUT for increasing times (5, 10, 30, 60 min and 6 months). Either untreated human pericardium or bovine pericardium treated for six months with GLUT served as controls. Tensile tests were performed with a uniaxial load machine and a pulsative bench. Fatigue testing was for 14 days; each sample was tested at 1,200 cycles/min at a controlled pressure of 90-120 mmHg. RESULTS: Untreated tissue thickness was 0.44+/-0.16 mm, but after six months GLUT treatment it was 0.53+/-0.15 mm (p<0.001). There was a 13.7% shrinkage of tissue after six months immersion. Strain was significantly greater in treated tissue than in untreated tissue, while stiffness decreased with the duration of GLUT immersion. Young's modulus was significantly lower after six months GLUT treatment (0.26+/-0.06 MPa) compared with untreated, and 5-, 10- and 30-min GLUT treatment (0.32+/-0.15, 0.35+/-0.09, 0.32+/-0.09 and 0.36+/-0.10 MPa (p<0.05)), respectively. Creep was greater after six months GLUT treatment (0.5+/-0.03%) than in untreated and 10-, 30- and 60-min treatments (0.3+/-0.50, 0.27+/-0.01, 0.27+/-0.02, 0.3+/-0.01% (p<0.05)), respectively. Ultimate tensile stress (UTS) was greater in 10-min treated pericardium than in untreated tissue: 38.46+/-11.75 versus 22.17+/-8.30 MPa (p<0.05) respectively. Strain at rupture was greater in the 6-month group (30.62+/-2.54%) than for untreated and 10-, 30- and 60-min GLUT immersion 16.3+/-0.73, 21.85+/-0.75, 20.12+/-1.04 and 18.87+/-0.86% (p<0.05), respectively. Fatigue testing showed an increased length after five and 10 min, and six months, with a lengthening of 14.66, 12.53, 7.66%, respectively compared with 3.5% for untreated tissue (p<0.05). There were three failures in the untreated group (n = 5), none in the 5- and 10-min groups, and one in the 6-month group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Brief immersion of human pericardial tissue in 0.625% glutaraldehyde reduces the tissue's stiffness and improves its durability for use in cardiac surgery.

Is 10 minutes the optimum immersion time in 0.6% glutaraldehyde for human pericardium?

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Pericardial fixation with 0.6% glutaraldehyde is usually assessed by measuring the shrinkage temperature of the tissue: the higher the shrinkage temperature, the greater the degree of cross-linking induced between collagen molecules. Animal pericardium studies have shown maximum response to be obtained after brief immersion (10 min). Our aim was to evaluate the effect of glutaraldehyde immersion time on shrinkage temperature of human pericardium which, to our knowledge, has not yet been studied. METHODS: Pericardial strips were harvested from 40 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Time of immersion in glutaraldehyde ranged from 3 min to 6 months. Fresh untreated human pericardium samples were used as controls. The relationship between shrinkage temperature and time of treatment with glutaraldehyde was studied using a regression analysis. RESULTS: Glutaraldehyde treatment of pericardial tissues caused an increase in shrinkage temperature that was related biphasically to the time of immersion in glutaraldehyde. Mathematical expression of this curve permitted glutaraldehyde immersion time to be evaluated in relation to the degree of optimal shrinkage temperature. The time required for optimal fixation with glutaraldehyde, as measured by shrinkage temperature, was 100+/-0.77 min. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that a 10-min exposure to glutaraldehyde was insufficient for 'correct' fixation of human pericardium. Inadequate glutaraldehyde exposure of human pericardium may explain mid and long-term failures reported with this tissue in cardiac surgery.

Bridge to transplantation with the DeBakey VAD axial pump: a single center report.

AIMS: To report our experience with a left ventricular assist device axial pump as a bridge to transplantation: the DeBakey Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). METHODS: From February 1999 to February 2002, nine patients (among which eight males), with a mean age of 47 years, all in NYHA functional class IV, were proposed for a bridge to transplantation with the DeBakey VAD. Five patients had primary dilated cardiomyopathy, four had ischemic cardiomyopathy. All the patients had inotropic support prior to the intervention (dobutamine with a mean dose of 12 mcg/kg per min), six had an intra-aortic counterpulsation, four presented ventricular rhythm disorders. Interventions were performed through sternotomy alone (no need for an abdominal pocket) under extra-corporeal circulation on beating heart (except in one patient suffering from an apical thrombosis for which cardioplegic arrest was performed) as followed: implantation of the apical inflow cannula, tunneling of the percutaneous cable, implantation of the outflow graft under aortic side clamping, starting of the DeBakey VAD during CPB weaning-off. RESULTS: Mean support duration was 81+/-62 days (16-224 days). Eight reoperations were required (three for bleeding or cardiac tamponade, one for haemoperitoneum, one for aortic bifurcation thrombectomy, one for right ventricular assist device implantation, two for iterative replacements of the DeBakey VAD). A significant hemolysis was observed in two patients. No device infection or dysfunction were observed. Secondary recovery of a pulsed flow was observed either clinically or by Echo-Doppler in six patients. Five patients were transplanted, four died prior to transplantation (three from multi-organ failure on post-operative day 35, 16 and 50, respectively, and the last patient was found disconnected at day 109). CONCLUSIONS: The DeBakey VAD is at the origin of renewed interest for continuous flow assist devices. Still under evaluation, the advantages of miniaturization and facility of implantation of this new device seem to be promising.

[Deformation of the tricuspid annulus by pericardial adhesions: a rare cause of early tricuspid regurgitation after mitral valve replacement]. / Déformation de l'anneau tricuspide par des adhérences péricardiques: une cause rare d'insuffisance tricuspid précoce après replacement valvulaire mitral.

The authors report the case of major tricuspid regurgitation occurring early after mitral valve replacement. The mechanism was demonstrated at reoperation: the heart was deformed by a posterior pericardial effusion and cardiodiaphragmatic pericardial adhesions.

[Left ventricular reconstruction after excision of a large fibroma]. / Reconstruction ventriculaire gauche après exérèse d'un volumineux fibrome.

The authors report the case of a 15 year old boy with a large left ventricular fibroma discovered after a series of syncopal episodes due to obstruction to ejection. The first attempt to remove the fibroma in Columbia was only partially successful. In view of the risk of death associated with this type of tumour, it was decided to offer the patient complete excision after a full morphological and functional evaluation of myocardial function and the consequences of the tumour on mitral valve function and on the coronary circulation. The operation was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping by conventional surgery, associated with reconstruction of the cardiac free wall with a large patch of autologous pericardium which was necessary to avoid cardiac transplantation, the ultimate sanction in this indication.

[Effect of aortic valve replacent for aortic stenosis on cervical arterial blood flow]. / Incidence sur les flux des artères cervicales d'un remplacement valvulaire pour sténose aortique.

Aortic stenosis is known to modify initial upstroke time (IUT) of velocity in peripheral arteries and carotid velocities. The authors conducted a prospective study in 30 patients scheduled for aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. The goal was to establish postoperative correction of carotid flow disorders. In the preoperative period, a positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between IUT and mean pressure gradient, and a negative correlation (p < 0.02) between IUT and aortic valve area. Post-operatively, the authors observed a large decrease (p < 0.0001) of IUT, and higher (p < 0.05) systolic peaks of velocity (PSV) in all studied arteries. In this article, the authors confirmed the few previous studies which described preoperative velocity modifications in aortic stenosis population, but they also described for the first time their postoperative correction. Therefore, identifying these patterns of peripheral circulatory alterations is important and underestimation of carotid stenosis, currently estimated preoperatively, must be avoided.

[Utilization of aortomyoplasty as a biological pumping system]. / Utilisation de l'aortomyoplastie comme système biologique de contrepulsion.

Aortomyoplasty is a surgical technique of constructing a neo-ventricle on the ascending or descending aorta with the latissimus dorsi muscle. This is electrically stimulated to contract during diastole, thereby creating a system of chronic, haemo-compatible aortic pumping. Long-term experimental studies have shown increases in cardiac output (from 3.6 to 5.5 l/min), decreases in peripheral resistances (from 1574 to 1134 dyne.sec.cm-5) and increases in indices of subendocardial viability (DPTI/TTI: 1.1 to 1.4). These experimental studies have been confirmed by the initial clinical results. To date, world experience includes thirty-six patients. With cardiomyoplasty, aortomyoplasty is a new arm in the therapeutic arsenal against severe cardiac failure by providing a new system of chronic circulatory assistance which is implantable and biocompatible.

[Pre- and intraoperative management of heparin cross hypersensitivity. Apropos of a case]. / Prise en charge pré- et peropératoire d'une allergie croisée à l'héparine. A propos d'un cas.

A patient with a Starr prosthetic heart valve for 13 years developed chronic idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura and a highly probable crossed allergy to heparin. As the valve needed to be replaced, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery was undertaken associating heparin with lioprost and Aprotinine. In this type of situation, aggregation of control platelets by the patient's plasma in the presence of unfractionated heparin and of low molecular weight heparin justifies the use of powerful antiplatelet agents such as lioprost which was associated with Aprotinine for its platelet protective effects. This original combination allowed successful cardiopulmonary bypass surgery under unfractionated heparin under excellent conditions with minimal blood loss. This case underlines the value of this approach for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia.

[Human valvular substitutes for the treatment of complex progressive endocarditis. Application to aortic, mitral and tricuspid valves]. / Substituts valvulaires humains dans le traitement des endocardites évolutives complexes. Application sur les orifices valvulaires aortiques, mitraux et tricuspides.

The aim of this study was to assess the immediate and long-term results of human valvular substitutes (homografts and autografts) in the treatment of complex progressive endocarditis in aortic, mitral and tricuspid valves. Since 1992, 80 patients (64 men, 16 women) aged 44 +/- 16 years (range 15 to 76 years), were treated. In 53 patients, the endocarditis involved native valves, 4 on previously plastified valves, or prosthetic valves in 27 patients. The endocarditis was recurrent 6 patients. The lesions were situated on the aortic valve (N = 59), mitral valve (N = 5), aortic and mitral valves (N = 12), aortic and tricuspid valves (N = 3), mitral and tricuspid valves (N = 1). The peroperative findings confirmed the lesions diagnosed at echocardiography: prosthetic valve dehiscence (27 patients), prosthetic cusp tear (N = 7), vegetations (N = 61), perforations (N = 48), periannular abscess (N = 47), aorto-ventricular discontinuity (N = 12), aorto-mitral discontinuity (N = 7), right ventricular aortic fistula (N = 1), aorto-pulmonary fistula (N = 1), pseudo-aneurysm (N = 1), ventricular septal defect (N = 1). Eighty-six human valvular substitutes were used (double homograft in 6 patients): aortic homograft (N = 63), pulmonary in the aortic position (N = 1), the mitral position (N = 12), of which 8 were in the mitral and 4 in the tricuspid position, pulmonary autograft (N = 10). Ten mitral valve repairs were performed on infected lesions. Associated procedures included mitral valve repair (N = 5), tricuspid valve repair (N = 1) for non-infarcted valve lesions, replacement of the ascending aorta (N = 2), the aortic arch (N = 1), coronary bypass surgery (N = 2) and one nephrectomy. The hospital mortality was 5% (4 patients). The causes of death were: infarction (N = 2), myocardial failure (N = 1) and multiorgan failure (N = 1). Four early reoperations were required for technical problems, none for endocarditis. Seventy-three of the 76 survivors were followed up for 43 +/- 24 months (range 1 to 84 months). Eight patients died during follow-up, but only 1 of cardiac causes (operation for recurrent endocarditis in a drug abuser). Seven operations were performed, 3 for technical problems or structural failure, 4 for recurrent endocarditis. At 5 years' follow-up, the survival was 81 +/- 5%; 88 +/- 6% of patients were free of endocarditis, 77 +/- 6% had no reoperation: no patient had thromboembolic complications. These results show that human valvular substitutes are adapted for the treatment of complex, progressive aortic, mitral and tricuspid valve endocarditis when techniques of valvular repair are no longer feasible.